Interns access private data

FOREIGN interns as young as 15 have been given access to protected Australian embassy databases containing sensitive information, including documents with the private details of Australian citizens.

The interns, recruited for work experience in embassies across the world, have also reportedly been given computer access to register the details of visa applications for visitors to Australia.

The revelations came after a report written by an intern about their work experience in Australia's embassy in Paris.

Documents obtained by Fairfax Media under freedom-of-information laws show interns have a police record check in their home country but no screening by intelligence agencies.

The documents show that the interns are engaged from their high schools or universities and range in age from 15 to their late 20s.

Fairfax Media has been told that at least one intern was given a supervisor's computer access details and asked to take over their job handling documents relating to the passports of Australian citizens.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said last week interns should not require access to such personal data and was not aware of any instances of interns being allowed access to embassy systems.

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